Ep 7. In Vino Veritas

In Vino Veritas is the seventh episode of the seventeenth season of the popular crime drama show Law & Order. The episode was originally aired on NBC on November 11th, 2006.

The story begins as Amaro and Rollins respond to a call reporting a rape. When they arrive on the scene, the victim, Monica, informs them that she was attacked by a man she had been dating for a few months. The man, Dean, claims that the sex was consensual, however, Monica insists that it was rape.

As the detectives start their investigation, they discover that Dean is a wine importer and that Monica is one of his clients. Monica had attended a wine tasting event hosted by Dean, where they had first met. Monica had found him charming and had agreed to go on a date with him. However, things apparently took a dark turn during the evening, and Monica had ended up being raped.

The detectives interview several witnesses and acquaintances of both Monica and Dean. They learn that Dean has a reputation for being a playboy, and that he has a history of dating multiple women at the same time. Dean's business partner also informs the detectives that Dean had been involved in a heated argument with Monica over a shipment of wine that had gone bad.

As the detectives delve deeper into the case, they discover that Dean had a pattern of using drugs and alcohol to incapacitate women before assaulting them. They also learn that he had several previous accusations of sexual assault against him, but had managed to keep them under wraps. The detectives must now find a way to both prove that Dean is guilty and to convince the jury that Monica's allegations are credible.

In the meantime, the case takes a toll on Rollins, who finds herself identifying with Monica's plight, as she had also been a victim of sexual assault in the past. Her emotions begin to affect her professional judgment, and she is forced to confront her own demons in order to stay focused on the case.

The courtroom scenes are intense, as both sides present their arguments and evidence. The defense attorney tries to paint Monica as a promiscuous woman who had willingly engaged in sexual activity with Dean, whereas the prosecutor tries to prove that Dean had a history of non-consensual sexual encounters, and that Monica's allegations are credible.

In Vino Veritas is a powerful episode that tackles a sensitive topic with sensitivity and awareness. The writers manage to convey the nuances and complexities of sexual assault cases, and the emotional toll they take on both the victims and those who seek justice for them. The episode is a must-watch for fans of Law & Order who enjoy thought-provoking and engaging narratives.